• Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lap-Band Surgery

Who is a candidate for the surgery?

Surgical candidates are people who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more and are between the ages of 18 and 65.

Is this surgery painful?

Some patients experience pain the first few days after surgery. Our pain management team will work with you to minimize your pain and reach a level of comfort, so that you can walk and tend to your personal needs as soon as possible.

How is the pouch formed during surgery?

An inflatable silicone band, similar to a belt, is placed around the top portion of your stomach and secured with sutures. This creates a two-ounce stomach pouch and a three cm (one inch) opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach. The band is attached to a port, or tube, that is then placed under the skin, in the upper part of your abdomen. The surgeon uses the port to inject saline into the band, adjusting the size of the opening into the stomach and limiting the amount of food that can pass through.

How long does the surgery last?

It typically takes one to two hours.

How long will it take for me to recover?

It will take approximately six weeks for you to fully recover. During this period, you should not lift anything over ten pounds. You may be able to return to work in two - three weeks if you have the doctor's approval.

Will I feel nauseous or vomit after surgery?

We do not expect this to happen. However, if you are constantly experiencing nausea or feeling sick, this could mean that you are not properly chewing your food or eating the wrong the foods. It could also mean that there is a problem with the placement of the Lap-Band on your stomach. Avoid vomiting as much as possible, as it can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch or the band to slip from its position. If the symptoms persist, immediately call your surgeon.

How much weight will I lose?

Weight loss varies from patient to patient. Your weight loss depends on your commitment to changing your lifestyle and eating habits. Exercising regularly and eating the right foods, in the right portions, will maximize the weight loss. You can lose two to three pounds a week in the first year. Weight loss will continue for up to two years and the pounds and inches you lose may vary from week to week.

What is the difference between the weight loss results of the Lap-Band compared to that of the Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass patients lose most of their weight the first year after surgery. After that, weight loss usually slows down. With the Lap-Band, the pouch can be readjusted if it stretches and causes your weight loss to slow down. You can have the band tightened again, limiting the amount of food it can hold and allowing you to continue your weight loss. Regardless of the procedure you choose, it is important that you make the necessary lifestyle adjustments to ensure a successful outcome.

How will I know if my Lap-Band needs to be adjusted?

Some patients may experience periods of time when they do not lose weight. These are called weight loss plateaus, and they can last a while. While you might not be losing weight, it is very possible that you might be losing inches. If you do reach a plateau, you should restrict the amount of carbohydrates you consume to less than 20 grams/day and exercise more. This should resolve the problem.

How is the Lap-Band adjusted?

Your Lap-Band adjustments will be done at the Center. Depending on what your surgeon decides, saline will be added or taken out of the port (under the abdominal wall) with a fine needle. It takes a few minutes and most patients say that the process is painless.'

Will the port be visible?

No. The port is placed under your skin in the abdominal wall.

What will happen if I eat too much?

You will feel sick and probably throw up. Your body will give off signals that your body is full. If you eat too much, the food will back up into your esophagus and you will feel discomfort, pain, and eventually vomit. Watch for these signals and listed to your body!

Will I be able to drink alcohol after surgery?

Yes, but remember that alcohol is high in calories. An occasional drink will not be harmful.

Can I drink carbonated beverages and coffee?

As part of your daily liquid intake, you can have sugar-free decaffeinated beverages. Try to stay away from carbonation as they can cause painful gas. Since coffee is a diuretic and stimulates your appetite, it is best to drink decaffeinated coffee and tea.'

Can I go back to smoking after surgery?

No. Not only does smoking lead to various diseases, but it also stimulate gastric juices, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause gastritis and ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.

What will happen to my skin after such a drastic weight loss?

Every person's skin reacts differently to the weight loss. There are many factors to take into consideration, including your age, your weight loss, how long you have been overweight, how many times you've been pregnant, and the general condition of your skin. Exercise will help tone your body and can contribute to firmer skin.

Will I have to have plastic surgery?

Some patients may choose to have plastic surgery but not everyone who has had this procedure needs it. If you decide to have a "tummy-tuck" to remove the abdominal apron or the extra skin on your stomach, you will be referred to a plastic surgeon for an abdominoplasty.

Can the Lap-Band be removed?

'Yes. The Lap-Band can be removed, however, it is meant to be permanent. If your Lap-Band is removed, your stomach will return to its original form and you will gain your weight back.

What can I do to maintain a positive and focused attitude after surgery?

It is important for you to be active both physically and mentally, while adjusting to your new way of life. ABC has a support group that you should attend before and after surgery. At these meetings you will learn about the surgery and have the opportunity to speak with other patients about their surgical experiences. The surgery is a weight loss tool and will not resolve the issues that might have resulted in your overeating. The support group allows you to address these issues and share them with others who have or are experiencing similar ones. By participating in these sessions, we hope that you become better informed about the procedure and participate more in your own care. You should plan an exercise program for yourself and stick to it. Friends and family are great exercise partners. You will notice that as you lose weight, you will have more energy and will become more focused on your new life.

CONTACT ABC